Have you heard the theory that Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” was based on the slow air “O’Carolan’s Dream”?
Here’s a link to the tune so you can check it out:
http://www.cpmusic.com/tradgif/ocarodr.gif
It’s in Am, but transcribes nicely to Em for D whistle. (Drop every note three steps.)
Hm…that very well could be. I read that there are a number of past references in that song.
The lyrics, written by Led Zeppelin vocalist Robert Plant next to an evening log fire, were inspired by his search for spiritual perfection. A seminal influence was the book Magic Arts in Celtic Britain by Lewis Spence, which Plant had recently read; it contained references to May Queens, pipers, and “bustling hedgerows.” The line, “In my thoughts I have seen rings of smoke through the trees,” could be a reference to William Wordsworth’s poem Tintern Abbey: “…and wreaths of smoke / Sent up, in silence, from among the trees!”
Not to my ear. In fact, that air comes across as a crib from Gregorian chant. Take it to adagio and you’ll easily hear what I mean.
Cheers,
Bill
Doesn’t seem far fetched to me. I hear clear echoes of it.
Um… Annie … you play soprano G whistles. I think the echoes are pretty normal for you. 
LOL
Bill
How do you play the D-sharp accidentals in the Em version? I’m using a standard high-D whistle.
Hmmm. What’s “Stairway to Heaven”? 
I hear it quite clearly !
“Stairway to Heaven” was a big hit for the group Led Zeppelin.
I’m sure it was Rolf Harris. 
What’s Led Zeppelin?
Wal, you have to half hole the D#.
OB - thanks, that works! I’ve never tired half-holing on the whistle and found it surprisingly easy.
CRC! Where ya been?
In my room playing whistles. 
BTW… I own them.. three, to be exact, but I very rarely play them so the recovery is nearly complete.
CRC, are you serious? 
If so, Led Zeppelin was one of the most influential rock bands of all time. Slightly before my time, but I’ve heard plenty. Just Google Led Zeppelin and you’ll get your fill I’m sure.
Jason
Yes, dead serious. 
Sorry - no offense intended. I guess if someone is under the age of 30 or so, or from somewhere remote, or just has never listened to rock…
Surely I’m not getting old already… 
Jason
Not offended, I was only joking with the angry smiley.
[Thread revival - and how. - Mod]
Recently there was a complaint to Plant abt plagiarism from some group of 70s
But O’Carolan was definitely first =)
https://musictales.club/article/celtic-baroque-roots-stairway-heaven